Foundation Presents Vision for Never Forgotten National Memorial to Commemorate Canada's War Dead Wherever They May Lie

OTTAWA, Aug. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - More than 114,000 Canadians killed in wars
outside Canada lie buried in foreign lands, were lost at sea, or were
consumed into the landscapes of war. As the world rapidly approaches
the centennial of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the Second World War, and as Canada approaches its 150th birthday, a new Canadian foundation is proposing to raise funds to
build a major new national memorial at home on Canadian soil, to honour
Canadian war dead, wherever they may lie.

With the support and encouragement of the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission, the Never Forgotten National Memorial Foundation has
developed a vision to create the Never Forgotten National Memorial as a
tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for their fellow Canadians.
The Never Forgotten National Memorial is proposed to be built along the
Cabot Trail at Green Cove in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This
rocky point of land is a symbolic setting, oriented towards Europe and
the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Parks Canada is working
with the Foundation to develop a plan to accommodate such a memorial,
which will be donated to the people of Canada upon completion.

"Our government recognizes and supports this private initiative by a
group of Canadians who have come together to rally their fellow
citizens to remember the tens of thousands of young Canadians who gave
their lives in many countries to make possible the cherished freedoms
we enjoy today," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada's Minister
of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. "Parks
Canada will be talking to key stakeholders, communities and Mi'kmaq of
Nova Scotia to obtain their input as this proposal takes shape."

"This Memorial is a wonderful initiative that will give Canadians a
steadfast symbol here in our country, to honour the unsurpassed bravery
in the name of freedom and liberty, that Canadians soldiers displayed,"
said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney
General of Canada and regional Minister for Nova Scotia. "The
experience at the Vimy monument in France is incredibly moving, but not
everyone is able to visit. This monument makes that symbol of sacrifice
more accessible to Canadians."

Founded by Mr. Tony Patrick Trigiani, president of Norstar Corporation,
and supported by distinguished Canadians such as Major-General (Ret'd)
Lewis MacKenzie and Colonel (Ret'd) Alain Pellerin the Never Forgotten
National Memorial Foundation was established in 2011 and became a
registered charity in 2012. Working with national and international
specialists, the Foundation has developed what it believes is a
uniquely layered vision to create a memorial, on Canadian soil, that
will connect visitors with the graveyards and memorials outside Canada
that care for and honour the remains of the more than 114,000 Canadians
who lost their lives beyond our borders.

"It is my deeply held belief that the extraordinary heroism and
sacrifices of our servicemen and women should never be forgotten," said
Mr. Trigiani, who was brought to Canada as an infant more than 60 years
ago from Italy, where many Canadians fought, died and are buried. "With
time, I have come to better realize, as have so many other fellow
immigrants, just how incredibly honoured we are to have become
Canadians and to now be given this precious opportunity to help pay
tribute to Our Fallen and to the sacrifices that they made for all of
us. As our work progresses, the Foundation will be announcing more
details of its plans in the coming months."

Cape Breton Island attracts more than 400,000 visitors annually, many of
whom enjoy the stunning beauty of the Cabot Trail and the unique
attractions the region has to offer. The proposed site, at Green Cove,
is currently the location of a highway-side viewpoint with a parking
area and a footpath out onto the point.